Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

•  responsible for setting up experiments of perishables in no MAP, MAP and active packaging
• develop and validate active materials, and perform  gas analysis using gas chromatography, volatile analysis and quantification using GC/mass spectrometry.
• quality analyses of perishable plant products.
• interface with a diverse cadre of graduate students and research scholars to support sensory evaluations, microbiological studies, and general lab upkeep.
•  perform statistical analysis or will interpreted statistical results and will write reports, publications and may support proposal writing. 
•  will support ongoing projects led by other team members in addition to leading their projects. 
• Will report directly to  Dr. Almenar.

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.

Professional Misconduct Review
A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Food science, chemistry, biology, plant science, material science, packaging or related area.

Minimum Requirements

• Experience using MAP, and working with active packaging
• Have an earned PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or a similar field.
• Experience setting up and running experiments.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in postharvest biology 
• Excellent writing and communication skills

Required Application Materials

• CV
• Cover letter describing relevant research experience
• Contact information for 3 professional references

Review of Applications Begins On

11/02/2026

Website

www.packaging.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.